I wouldn't be surprised if we never see karstes again...he'll hurt something during rehab and never make it back. Morton probably not this year and Liriano...who knows, i guess it depends if he has to go on the 60 day.

I saw something the other day that said Liriano was hoping for early May. Earlier I saw that the Pirates are hoping to not put either Liriano or Morton on the 60 day DL which would put them back by June. Seems possible that could be the case with Liriano but pretty aggressive with Morton who I think would probably be more towards July before he'd be ready.. Karstens who knows at this point I'm unwilling to count on him for anything and I'm a fan of his and what he offers when healthy, just not convinced that's even possible.

If everybody could be healthy by June they could have a bunch of nice options to pair with AJ and Wandy (assuming they perform and stay healthy themselves). JMac, Liriano, Karstens, Sanchez, Morton and the possibility/likelihood of a Cole callup at that point. Plus McPherson and Locke to some extent. None of those outside of Cole offers a ton of excitement but collectively it's not a bad group. It's just relying on two of the Sanchez, McPherson, Locke group to start the season that scares the day lights out of me.

Morton will probably be back mid-to-late season. Liriano will probably miss the first month, which isn't the worst thing in the world since a) the schedule would only really require a 5th starter once in April, I think and b) it gets his required by law injury out of the way. Karstens is still having problems with his shoulder that he had problems with last year that he and Dejan swore was healthy and the Pirates were dirty lying liars when they said over the winter he had arm issues.

Morton will probably be back mid-to-late season. Liriano will probably miss the first month, which isn't the worst thing in the world since a) the schedule would only really require a 5th starter once in April, I think and b) it gets his required by law injury out of the way. Karstens is still having problems with his shoulder that he had problems with last year that he and Dejan swore was healthy and the Pirates were dirty lying liars when they said over the winter he had arm issues.

They'll need a 5th starter several times, they only have one offday between April 3 and May 1 which includes 20 straight days with games.